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How to deal with nuisance birds
Some bird species can create a nuisance, including making a noise, fouling and even causing property damage. However, all birds in the United Kingdom are protected by law. Find out about the options open to you when dealing with a problem involving birds.
Legal protection for birds
Choosing the right course of action is essential, as it's illegal to intentionally harm or kill birds. You are not allowed to take bird eggs, and disturbing, damaging or destroying nests is against the law.
Solving the problem without harming the bird
A broad range of techniques are available to deal with nuisance caused by birds. This includes:
- noise deterrents such as recordings of the bird’s own alarm calls
- using a scarecrow or model owl
- using netting or bird-spikes - this prevents birds landing or accessing areas where they are known to cause problems
Using netting
An example of where netting can be used effectively is with the Herring Gull. The gull commonly nests on roof-tops where their noise and swooping at people can be a nuisance. Netting the site before the gulls return in spring can prevent this problem from recurring.
Identifying a bird
If you are having bird problems, it's worth identifying what sort of bird is causing the problem. It may affect what you can do about the problem. For example, disturbing certain specially protected birds when they are on or near their nest is illegal, so scaring would not be appropriate.
Follow the links below to:
- identify a bird using the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) website
- see a list of birds specially protected by law
Taking further action to deal with nuisance birds
Not all of the measures you can take are lasting solutions. The law recognises that in some circumstances you may be able to take action that would normally be seen as an offence (this is called ‘licensing’). Licences are only available for certain types of problem:
- to protect public health and safety
- to prevent serious damage to crops, vegetables and fruit
Contact Natural England for information about situations when licensing applies.
Other organisations that can help with bird problems
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals (RSPCA) may be able to give you advice about how to deal with injured and nuisance birds.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
The RSPB can offer you advice about birds and bird-related law, but does not collect young or abandoned birds – you should leave these where they are found. Follow the link below to find out more about wild birds and the law.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Animals
The RSPCA or a private veterinary practice, can advise you on what to do with injured birds.
Local Councils
Local councils have limited scope to deal with bird-related problems since these are not usually within their responsibility. In some circumstances they may take action under a general licence to reduce feral pigeon or gull numbers for public health reasons.
